(A) The property owner shall be responsible for the maintenance of all landscaping. All landscaped areas must present a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance and shall be kept free from refuse and weedy growth. Watering, fertilizing, mulching, pruning, removal of dead or diseased limbs, leaf removal, and insect control are required practices and should be carried out as necessary.
(B) Any dead or diseased plant material shall be replaced by the property owner during the next planting season (spring or fall only). Replacement plants shall meet the requirements of this chapter.
(C) Pruning.
(1) Topping of trees within the street yard and parking lot areas shall be prohibited. Topping is defined as the severe cutting back of limbs to stubs larger than two (2) inches in diameter within the crown of the tree. Trees damaged by storms or other physical causes or trees under utility lines may be exempt from this regulation with written approval of the City Planner.
(2) Visibility enhancement may occur where a tree blocks outdoor signs or building facades. With the written approval of the City Planner, up to twenty-five (25) percent of the crown may be removed to improve visibility.
(3) The removal of overhanging limbs may be necessary for safety and to provide clearance for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. For sidewalks, a clearance of seven (7) feet shall be provided. For streets with automobile traffic only, a clearance of twelve (12) feet shall be provided. Truck routes should have a fourteen (14) foot clearance.
(D) Plant removal.
(1) After installation, no live tree or shrub shall be removed without the written permission of the Planning Commission.
(2) Instances where permission to remove a live tree may be issued include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) There is a threat to public safety;
(b) The plant poses a threat to other plants in the neighborhood; or
(c) The plant is to be replaced with a more desired plant.
(3) Any plant removed shall be replaced with a suitable plant as outlined in this section.
(Ord. 22:2019, passed 6-10-19)